Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, by various different methods, to enhance the well-being of the mind, body and spirit. It uses pure essences from plants, which may have a preventative effect, helping to care for common ailments while working alongside medical treatments, to aid the healing process. Essential oils are highly fragrant, volatile and are extracted from flowers, leaves, twigs, bark, roots and fruits of many common plants. The essential oils have many different properties and as research has shown, can be stimulating, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, relaxing, calming, soothing and uplifting. Aromatherapy, therefore, has the ability to affect the emotions, promote bodily well-being and balance psychologically.
What to expect during and after a treatment
Each treatment will begin with a consultation in order to select essential oils suited to your needs. The client will then be left to undress, leaving on their underwear, and make themselves comfortable on the massage couch, covering themselves with a towel. The practitioner will then give a massage using the aromatherapy blend they have created for you. We will usually play some soothing music and some clients even drift off to sleep.
After the treatment the client will usually feel relaxed and may feel sleepy. It is best to drink plenty of water and try to rest for the remainder of the day/evening. If possible try to avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks and ty to eat a light meal. The next day you should hopefully feel nice and refreshed.
Benefits
Aromatherapy is beneficial for a number of emotional and physical problems. The oils work on many levels and have a range of therapeutic properties. Most people come for an aromatherapy massage to relieve stress, muscular tension or joint pain, headaches or migraine, insomnia, anxiety or just for relaxation and pampering. The massage itself is also very beneficial as it can help with muscular stiffness, lymph drainage, and the release of toxins.
Contraindications:
Aromatherapy is beneficial for most people. However some oils can be contraindicated in certain circumstances. We can usually work around this and select oils that will be suitable for you. However it may be the case that you cannot have a massage with essential oils, if so we can do a massage with plain carrier oil. Please let us know if any of the following apply to you when booking your treatment:
● Recent Operation
● Pregnant (1st trimester)
● If you have an infectious skin condition or very sensitive skin
● High or Low Blood Pressure (Certain oils will not be suitable)
● On Medication (Some medications can interact with the oils)
● Epilepsy (some oils are contraindicated in epilepsy so make sure you tell the practitioner if you have epilepsy to ensure they use suitable oils)